November Update

Fall has finally come to Okinawa and we are enjoying some cooler temperatures (although it's still warm enough to swim most afternoons). We are looking forward to Megan's mom and step-dad as they arrive this month and are excited to be able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with family for the first time in many years. It's been an exciting month at school and although it has been busy, we've been encouraged by deepened relationships with our students and their families as well by progress on our class curricula at school. 

Highlights from the Month

• Megan was able to go to camp with the high school students
• Andy and 5 of the 12th grade students volunteered as translators at the Special Olympics hosted at Kadena Air Force Base
• OCSI hosted their annual Walkathon to raise money for a new fence for the playground and soccer field
• Andy and Megan met with parents and had opportunities to pray and discuss their child's progress at parent-teacher conferences
• Megan's 12th grade American Government students ran a mock election to learn about the American election process
• Megan's 11th grade American History students designed and presented Revolutionary War memorials
• Elementary chapel has been going well and the elementary students have now learned 10 different parables and character traits
• Mia learned how to do a back handspring and front tuck at gymnastics
• Naomi enjoyed the Fall Festival at church and getting candy
• Eliya was excited to run the entire 6 kilometer OCSI Walkathon 

Upcoming Events

• Nov. 18- Andy and Kindergarten class (and Eliya) will visit and sing at a local nursing home
• Nov. 19- Holiday Market to raise money for missions week
• Nov. 24- Thanksgiving Dinner at our house with the 12th grade students
• Nov. 27- Andy preaches via Skype for the church in Sapporo
• Dec. 2- Christmas Program at OCSI
• Dec. 10- Church Christmas outreach for local children from orphanage and with special needs
• Dec. 14- Jan. 4 Christmas break

To Supporters

Thank you for your continued support for this ministry here in Japan. We are looking forward to visiting many of you this summer during our time home visiting family and churches. Would you prayerfully consider giving a special gift toward our flights home this year, approximately $5000 total. 
Just a reminder that all gifts given are tax-deductible. Please follow the giving instructions HERE for more information on how to give via check or online. Also, feel free to share our blog or contact information with others that may be interested in supporting this ministry or in working at OCSI with us.

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